S.L. Bhyrappa
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Well-known Kannada writer and Saraswati Samman awardee S. L. Bhyrappa, 94, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Wednesday. He was suffering from age-related ailments and was under treatment in the city for the past three months.
Bhyrappa is survived by wife Saraswati and two sons, Uday Shankar and Ravi Shankar.
Jayadev Memorial Rashtrotthana Hospital and Research Centre, where he was admitted, stated that he suffered cardiac arrest and passed away late on Wednesday afternoon. Sources said he was suffering from cardiac issues and had collapsed during a morning walk a few months ago. He was then shifted from Mysuru to Bengaluru for better care.
The cremation would be held on September 26 in Mysuru, where he lived for many years, with State honours. On September 25, the body would be kept at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru for people to pay their last respects.
From Hassan
A native of Santheshivara in Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district, Bhyrappa studied in Hassan and Mysuru districts. He served as a professor of philosophy in various parts of India, including Gujarat and New Delhi, even as he continued to write his novels.
Bhyrappa was one of the most widely read writers of Kannada and wrote 25 novels, all of which have seen multiple reprints and translated into several languages. He announced retirement in 2017 after his novel Uttarakanda, a retelling of Ramanayana, from Sita’s perspective. His novels Parva, Vamsavriksa and Gruhabhanga are considered classics of Kannada literature. Some of his popular novels were turned into equally popular films and television serials.
Controversies
Bhyrappa, a sympathiser of the Hindutva politics, was no stranger to controversies. He often faced criticism for his vocal Hindutva stances in public platforms as well as in his novels.
Published – September 24, 2025 10:06 pm IST
